Calling all dreamers, thinkers and doers!
The Entrepreneurship & Small Business Institute (ESBI) is dedicated to cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in CI students, regardless of their major, faculty, and the broader Ventura County community.
Our mission is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in students, regardless of their major, faculty, staff, and the Ventura County community.
The ESBI provides the tools, mentorship, connections, and experiential learning opportunities that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and innovative thinking—valuable skills in any career path. Whether launching a startup or contributing to established organizations, we aim to empower individuals and teams to approach challenges with an entrepreneurial spirit, driving economic growth and positive social impact both locally and beyond.
Additionally, as founding members of B 鶹ý, we actively support our county's emerging social enterprise ecosystem (SEE), which comprises stakeholders committed to using market-based solutions to address societal and environmental challenges.
ESBI remains form agnostic, encouraging students to pursue both nonprofit and for-profit models based on their venture mission and goals—believing that “form should follow function”.
All CI students also have an opportunity to consult for local business and non-profits through , our student-run community-focus agency.
We invite you to explore our different areas of activity on the sidebar menu and reach out to get involved. We would love to hear from you.
Connect with Dr. Maria Ballesteros- Sola, our director, online by appointment or by email maria.ballesteros-sola@csuci.edu.